ResearchAbility – October 2025

Posted on by Pathfinder
dark purple background image with a photo of a red clipboard sitting on a wooden surface holding white paper with text "Least Restrictive Environment," on the right of the image. The first letter of each word is capitalized and red. Wire-rimmed glasses are set on the left of the clipboard in the photo. Below the photo is a yellow ribbon shape that flows from left to right of the image. On the top right side of the image is a white semi-circluar shape that has Pathfinder's branded graphic on it. On the left of the image is text, "RESEARCH ABILITY," with a graphic of the disability symbol of a person in a wheelchair on its right. Below is a list in yellow and white check bullets that say, "Observation Surveys Interviews Focus Groups Experiments Analysis Mixed Methods."

Research is a key component for making new discoveries and improving the lives of people with disabilities. It can also provide participants with insight and support regarding their conditions, especially when there is a gap in services. Here are a few studies that may be of interest

Disability Employment Research Study
Syracuse University - Burton Blatt Institute Volunteers needed for research study. Researchers at Syracuse University are looking for individuals to participate in a study to learn more about the effectiveness of services provided to jobseekers with disabilities. You are eligible if you: Are 18-64 years old. Currently receive SSI or SSDI. Have access to Internet via phone, tablet, or computer. Are not currently receiving benefits counseling services. Participation is voluntary and involves: Completing 3 online surveys of 30 minutes each. Being assigned to one of two groups. Activities may differ by group; some participants will take part in additional sessions related to benefits counseling. Participants will receive: A $25 e-gift card for signing up to participate. A $25 e-gift card for each online survey completed. Interested? If you are interested or want to learn more about this opportunity, contact the Burton Blatt Institute by email at VRstudy@syr.edu
Volunteers needed for research study.

Researchers at Syracuse University are looking for individuals to participate in a study to learn more about the effectiveness of services provided to job seekers with disabilities.

You are eligible if you:
  • Are 18-64 years old.
  • Currently receive SSI or SSDI.
  • Have access to the Internet via phone, tablet, or computer.
  • Are not currently receiving benefits counseling services.

Participation is voluntary and involves:

  • Completing 3 online surveys of 30 minutes each.
  • Being assigned to one of two groups. Activities may differ by group; some participants will take part in additional sessions related to benefits counseling.

Participants will receive:

  • A $25 e-gift card for signing up to participate.
  • A $25 e-gift card for each online survey completed.

Interested?

If you are interested or want to learn more about this opportunity, contact the Burton Blatt Institute by email at VRstudy@syr.edu.

Speech Research Study

The Speech Kinematics and Acoustics Lab is currently looking for female volunteers to serve as CONTROL SPEAKERS in research that investigates speech movements.

This project investigates why speech is often difficult to understand in people with neurological conditions such as Parkinson’s disease, Multiple Sclerosis, Lou Gehrig’s disease (ALS), and Huntington’s disease. Specifically, we seek to better understand the nature of neurologic speech impairments and how to best treat them in therapeutic interventions.

If you DO NOT have a history of a neurological condition, you may be eligible to participate.

Participation involves a one-time visit that lasts about 2 hours. Compensation will be provided.

A phone screening will be conducted to determine eligibility.

If you are interested in participating, please contact mefferdlab@vumc.org for more information.